Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will publish the final report on her consultation on changes to the sick pay system; when she expects to bring proposals to Cabinet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37402/12]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a full cost-impact analysis on small business will be undertaken on her proposals to force employers to cover the cost of up to four weeks sick pay; if her attention has been drawn to the results of a recent Small Firms Association survey in relation to the impact that this proposal would have on small firms; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this proposal will add to the cost of employment and will result in job losses and goes against the Government's action plan for job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37637/12]

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38192/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 667, 680 and 748 together.

There are a number of compelling reasons why the Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time – firstly, as a measure to help in addressing the growing deficit in the social Insurance Fund; secondly, as a measure to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and thirdly, to bring Ireland into line with practices in other countries in this area.

However, I am acutely conscious of the pressures facing employers in the current economic climate, and in particular, the pressures facing smaller and medium-sized enterprises, and I am aware of the opinions expressed by small firms in the recent survey conducted by the Small Firms Association (SFA) regarding the impact of the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay. The report of the seminar which I hosted in February 2012 has been published and the Department has also met separately with key stakeholders.

I can assure the House that the range of complex issues that need to be addressed before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of such a scheme – the extent of coverage; the rate of payment; possible compensation mechanisms for employers where appropriate and how the scheme would be enforced and policed – will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013, and the views of stakeholder groups, such as the SFA, will be taken into account in that process.